| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 145 | 0.8g | 0.2g | 35.7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24.7g | 5.9g | 1.9g | 0.01g |
The Essence of the Boysenberry Fruit Salad
Believe it or not, it’s the Boysenberry Fruit Salad that gets me all nostalgic. It’s a divine intermingling of fresh, juicy fruits that always reminds me of summer, Ubuntu feasts in New England, and how food really connects us all; it’s not just a fantastic way to enjoy the summer bounty. Every brilliant bite provides a burst of sweet, zesty, and refreshing tastes I’ve grown to cherish.
Interestingly, this Boysenberry Fruit Salad isn’t rooted in my Irish lineage or my New England locale. Quite the contrary, boysenberries are traced back to California, from a crossbreed of raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. But, it’s the spellbinding taste and nutritional benefit of this delectable fruit that made me include this dish in my culinary repertoire.
Nutrition and Flavor Entwined
This recipe isn’t just about the vibrant taste. It also packs a serious nutritional punch. The berries and other fruits in the salad are rich in antioxidants, heart-friendly fiber, and vitamins (source), supporting immune function as well as promoting skin and eye health. A squeeze of fresh lemon, loaded with vitamin C, not only keeps the fruits from oxidizing but also lends a pleasing tangy taste.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’d be glad to know that this recipe has optional granulated sugar and honey to sweeten the mix. I always opt for agave nectar though – Laura (my partner) and I have been venturing into low GI sweeteners, and it’s so far been a delightful journey.
Of course, the salad is incomplete without the hint of fresh mint leaves. An underrated culinary hero, mint lends a unique aromatic flavor that exquisitely balances the sweetness of the fruits. Mint also has numerous health benefits, from improving digestion to aiding in weight loss (source).
Perfect Pairings
While this Boysenberry Fruit Salad is a complete dish in itself, the option for pairing it with other dishes is very enticing. A scoop of this salad alongside my famous oven-roasted lemon-spiced chicken, perhaps? Or even as a fresh counterpart to rich, creamy dishes like lasagna. I also find the salad to be an ideal side for grilled seafood items, harmonizing seamlessly with the rich, smoky flavors. And, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, it also works brilliantly in a crispy crepe, forming a contrasting duo of textures that explode with every bite.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh boysenberries
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 2 kiwis, peeled and diced
- 1 orange, peeled and diced
- 2 peaches, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar (optional)
Method
Step One
Prepare your fruits by rinsing them under cold water. Make sure to clean the boysenberries, strawberries, and peaches carefully as they can be quite delicate. Peel and dice the kiwis and orange. For the peaches, remove the pit and then dice them.
Step Two
Put all the prepared fruits into a large mixing bowl – the boysenberries, diced strawberries, diced pineapple, diced kiwis, diced orange, and diced peaches. Gently toss them together until they are well mixed.
Step Three
In a small bowl, squeeze out 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. If you wish to add sweetness to your salad, you can also add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix it well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step Four
Pour the lemon juice mixture over the fruit in the large bowl. Toss well to ensure all the fruit is coated evenly. Adding the lemon juice not only adds flavour, but it also prevents the fruits from oxidizing and turning brown.
Step Five
If you wish to add an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle 1/4 cup of honey or agave nectar over the fruit. Again, make sure to toss the fruits well to combine.
Step Six
Finally, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh mint leaves over the salad. The mint not only adds color, but it brings a refreshing balance to the sweet fruits.
Step Seven
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavours meld together. Serve it chilled, and enjoy!
